Durian whisky. Where do I even start?
Now, as a self-professed anti-durian activist, I gotta confess; I hate durians with a passion.
Fun fact: I hate everything about it, whether it’s the smell, the hype or even the spikes that look more on point than those on my head.
Not-so-fun fact: I detest it.
And so, you can only imagine my disgust when I was tasked to write this article.
Yeah, that’s how much I abhorred the whole concept of durian whisky. Mind filled with thoughts of strong-durian-odour seeping through sips of well-broiled whisky, it was all I can do not to barf there and then, on my dear desktop table.
Durian Whisky
While I could go on and on about how much I hate durians, the fact remains that I’m not being paid to air my grievances on this platform, much as I wish to. And so here’s a rough breakdown of what durian whisky’s all about.
Apparently, https://www.durianwhisky.com/ drawn only from the finest selections, the Durian Whisky’s “skilfully brewed” from 100% pure, delicious flesh of the Musang King durian.
There’s also a rather arduous process involved.
Which when explicitly stated, stands as follows:
- The freshest and premium grade of Musang King durian is picked and the flesh is ground, blended until smooth and extra fibres are strained
- Using their own patented technology, the processes of ethanol and sugar are added
- Pressing
- Fermentation (sulfurs are reduced to trace levels)
- Ageing (added with whisky)
- Clarification
- Bottling and Sealing
- Crafting of the “Finest quality Durian Whisky”
Also, they explain why durian and whisky aren’t just a marketable combo, but a scientifically-proven safe one to boot.
For the full context, you can head over here.
But how does it taste, exactly?
The fact remains that no matter how well a brand markets its products, true reliability would still rest in one core component of its sector:
The reviews.
And seriously, who better to look up than the ever-eloquent Pan Jie over at Rice Media, who has crafted up an entire article in the ‘unique’ whisky’s name?
Note: If you’re a fan of Pan Jie, you’ll be glad to know that his witty remarks are all over the article as well.
For those wondering with bated breaths, here’s what the writer has to say about the Durian Whisky.
Like many others (including me), he found the idea of a Durian Whisky “disgusting”.
Pouring himself a dram of durian whisky with what he described as “great trepidation” and “reluctance”, he squeezed in three ice cubes (as the sales staff suggested drinking it cold) and looked at the end product.
“It did not look appealing, to say the least,” he stated.
Pushing forth nevertheless, he set about a sip, before having another, then another. And then the news broke.
It apparently tasted like Bailey’s.
Durian-flavoured Bailey’s
Describing it as thick, creamy and “incurably sweet”, he compared it to an alcoholic milkshake and expressed how there’s almost no taste of whisky at all, and only the faintest taste of alcohol going down.
According to him, the beverage has no lingering odour too, and the Durian-y bouquet’s reportedly “not more intense than a Potong Durian Popsicle”.
Calling it a “delicious beverage”, he expressed how durian-lovers would likely enjoy the aroma, and how those who like matcha lattes and Frappucinos would enjoy its texture and sweetness.
Ending off, Pan Jie says that Durian Whisky’s not so much of an actual whisky, as it is a Durian-flavoured liqueur “along the lines of Amarula or Limoncello”.
And considering how Whisky’s added to the Durian mix, and not produced by the fruit’s fermentation, the notion certainly seems to hold true.
He also recommends the Durian Whisky to those who like durians, or those who are “determined to drink despite hating the taste of alcohol”.
And so… what’re you waiting for?
Sure, I might still be giving the drink a wide berth despite Pan Jie’s rave review, but hey that’s just me. You’re totally free to get yourself a cuppa of that revolting mixture.
However, do take note that the prices don’t come cheap.
Priced at $98/260ml bottle and $198/700ml bottle, the concoction’s definitely not for the frugal. But if you fancy yourself a sip, you can always order here.
Alternatively, you can head down to the Yummy Food Expo that’s taking place from 27 to 30 June, for a quick look at it. No idea whether they offer taste tests, but with all the other yummy treats available there…
I think you’ll find it a useful trip even without free durian whisky. 😉
